Licorice is a plant commonly used for flavoring. The black licorice vines and drops you buy as treats rarely contain licorice, however. Instead, they are flavored with anise oil. The root of the licorice plant, also known as liquorice, sweet root, gan zao or glycyrrhizin, has long been used in traditional medicine treatment for disorders such as heartburn, sore throat and cough, and viral hepatitis. Research is ongoing for other medicinal uses for licorice root or its compounds, including studies examining possible effects on Alzheimer's disease. Before taking licorice, consult with your health care provider.
Licorice and Alzheimer's
A 2004 study by Jonathan Seckl and others at the University of Edinburgh found that carbenoxolone, a drug made from licorice root, slowed the type of memory loss found in normal aging. Seckl said carbenoxolone wasn't tested on Alzheimer's patients, but further research may show that the compound also slows some of the early effects of that disease.
In 2010, a University of South Carolina news release noted research by Dr. Rosemarie Booze on liquiritigenin, or LQ, a phytoestrogen found in licorice root, suggested that LQ may slow the damage to brain cells that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Licorice Side Effects
Licorice root preparations can be used topically or taken orally. While generally safe, if you take licorice regularly for more than two weeks, you may experience high blood pressure, fluid retention and potassium loss, all of which could cause heart problems. These side effects are mainly related to the glycyrrhizin in the plant, so the Collins Alternative Health Guide recommends using deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. The guide also notes that licorice may lead to preterm labor. If you already have high blood pressure or are on heart medications, or if you are pregnant, consult your physician before taking licorice supplements.
Alzheimer's and Alternative Medicines
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has ongoing research into alternative medicines purporting to treat Alzheimer's, including antioxidants, Asian ginseng, cat's claw, ginkgo and grape-seed extract. According to NCCAM, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine if antioxidants, Asian ginseng, cat's claw or grape-seed extract are effective. Several larger studies on ginkgo found that supplement to be ineffective in treating Alzheimer's or any other type of cognitive decline. Many supplements have side effects or can interact with prescription medicines, so be sure to notify your health care provider if you are taking them.
Other Alzheimer's Treatments
No cure has been found for Alzheimer's. Some medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, have been found to slow or stabilize cognitive decline, and some people benefit from antidepressants or medications to reduce agitation. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, continue participating in social and intellectual activities, exercise regularly and consider joining a support group.
References
- Medline Plus: Licorice
- The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation: Can Licorice Boost Brain Power?
- Nature News: Liquorice Extract Sweetens Old Age
- University of South Carolina: Food For Thought: Liquorice Root May Protect Brain Cells
- Collins Alternative Health Guide: Steven Bratman
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Alzheimer's Disease and CAM: What the Science Says
- Drugs.com: Alzheimer’s Disease
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